
Songs of a Sammy 

POEMS 
Warren C. Vining 




ClassXL 

Book^ 

Copyright I^". 



CQKffilGHT DEPOSIT. 



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SONGS OF A SAMMY 



^ongsJ of a ^ammj> 

Poems 
Warren C. Vining 




BOSTON 

The Stratford Co., Publishers 

NINETEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN 



^^K ev^ 



-f'='',W 



Copyright 1918 

The STRATFORD CO., Publishers 

Boston, Mass. 



JUL 22 1918 



The Alpine Press, Boston, Mass., U. S. A. 



©CI.A501241 



©ebicateb to iWotfter 

To her, 
Who my infant steps did guide, 
Who watched my body grow 
And soothed with accents low 
A bed of pain : 
May sorrow never come 
Thru him who owes so much 
That he can ne'er repay; 
And may that brow 
Foretaste the peace 
To come on the Judgment Day. 



lU 



"This manuscript has been approved and 
Corporal Warren C. Vining is permitted to have 
it published." 

( Signed ) C . Larkin Flanagan, 
2d Lieut., Inf. B. C. 
Camp Censor, 
Camp Grant, III. 



CONTENTS 

Why I Write Poetry .... 1 

The Summons 2 

Reveille 4 

Follow the Flag, Boys! .... 5 

War 7 

For You and Me 9 

The Journey's End 11 

Mud 13 

The Sentry 15 

Fratres 17 

Aurora Borealis 19 

The Winds 21 

West Wind Blow ..... 24 

Farewell the Woods 26 

The Flowers 28 

When It's Spring 29 

When It's Autumn 30 

Autumn Greeting 32 

November 33 

A Wmter's Day 35 

V 



CONTENTS 

New Year's — A Sonnet .... 37 

Asleep 38 

Death 40 

A Prayer 41 

Devotions 42 

What Care I ? 43 

Why? 44 

Your Song 45 

Gossip 46 

Desolation 48 

Life 49 

Smile 50 

Plug! 52 

Slacker 53 

Dream Girl 54 

To My Unknown Sweetheart ... 56 

To My Known Sweetheart ... 57 

To B On Her Birthday ... 58 

A Rose 59 

A Little Man 61 

Sonny 62 

Deferiet 63 

Memory's Ship 66 

vi 



CONTENTS 








At Twilight 67 


Memories of the Man 


in Gray 






. 68 


Reverie at Even 








. 70 


Even . 










71 


What ShaU It Be? 










72 


Murder 










74 


For a Friend 










75 


Freshman Song . 










76 


Evening 










76 


Song .... 










77 


The Puzzle 










77 


'^The College Press '^ 








78 


''Longing" 










78 



Vll 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Why I Write Poetry 

I DON'T know why I do it, 
But I do it just the same; 
Perhaps in years succeeding 
'Twill make me known to fame. 

But whether it does or doesn't 
'Tis all the same to me; 

I write because I wish to 
And not for any fee. 

Thus thot about the public 
And what I think they'd like, 

Doesn't worry me a single bit, 
A one horse poet on the pike. 

And so you see, serenely 
I go plodding on my way ; 

Nor thot of filthy lucre 

Comes to haunt me night or day. 



[1] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



The Summons 

MOTHER dear, the bugle's calling, 
Calling me to come and fight. 
Calling me to strive and struggle, 
Calling to defend the right. 

Mother dear, the Old Flag beckons, 
Beckons me to come away, 

Beckons me into the army, 
Beckons with a flaming ray. 

Mother dear, the soldiers' tramping 
Asks my heart to come along, 

Asks me to forsake my pleasures. 
Asks for aid to vanquish wrong. 

Mother dear, I must be going; 

There is need of us today; 
We must hasten to the colors 

Where the bugle points the way. 

[2] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

Mother dear, if I should slumber 
Far away beneath the sod 

Do not weep, my darling mother; 
We shall meet again with God. 

Mother dear, the bugle's calling, 
Mother dear, the colors wave, 

Bidding me to do my duty 
Tho I fill a soldier's grave. 



[3] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Reveille 
C'l CAN'T GET 'EM UP") 



o 



H! The bugler's a buglin', 
An' lie's buglin' fer me. 
Tho night is o'er 
My bones are sore, 

I'm sleepy as can be. 



But the bugler's a buglin'; 
A good bugler is he. 

The sun's asleep 

In silence deep 
As the bugler calls ter me. 

Since the bugler's a buglin'; 
An ' a buglin ' fer me : 
I mustn't wait, 
Or else in state 
A guard house bunk fer me. 



[4] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Follow the Flag, Boys! 

THE Flag is sailing for France, boys ! 
Follow the flag ! 
They have need of us in France, boys! 

Follow the flag! 
Men have bled and men have died; 
Women have wept and women have sighed ; 
They are fighting today in France, boys! 
Follow the flag! 

The Star-Spangled Banner to France, boys! 

Long may it wave! 
Our brothers are leaving for France, boys ! 

Honor the brave ! 
Men are sturdy and men are strong; 
Women will sorrow while singing the song; 
Follow the Stars and Stripes, boys! 

Freedom to save! 

Old Glory is flying in France, boys! 

By war winds blown. 
The stainless flag is in France, boys ! 

Will it stand alone? 

[5] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

Men of power, and men of pride, 
Women of beauty, stand side by side; 
Old Glory 's unfurled in France, boys ! 
Let none bemoan. 

The flag has sailed for France, boys ! 

Follow the flag! 
Die for the flag in France, boys, 

Honor the flag! 
Men have cheered, men have sighed ; 
Women have trembled, women have cried 
They need us today in France, boys, 

On — to the flag! 



[6] 



SONGS OP A SAMMY 



War 

THE heart is still as dusk of eventide 
Approaches from the eastern pine clad 
hills; 
The drowsy earth, when falls refreshing dew, 
Is lulled to sleep by murmurs soft and low. 
The sky close studded with the golden stars 
Alone keeps vigil o'er the silent earth. 

A heart is wrung and bleeding, filled with pain. 
Nor calm nor silence bids the earth to sleep ; 
The slumber song the winds sing to the trees 
Is wasted, lost amid the angry snarl. 
And growl, and spiteful howling of the guns. 
A million men, equipped, accoutred all. 
Are other millions seeking to the death. 
The death drum rolls; a mother's heart is dumb, 
A tiny babe with cooing, trusting smile 
Recks not his father's lifeless, painless form. 
Some sweetheart in a far off peasant home 
Has said good-bye to lover tall and strong: 
The rifle speaks, the bullet speeds away 

[7] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

And finds its lodge in stalwart human breast; 
Another victim pays the awful price 
Of greed and power that has driven kings 
To war, and set man's passions all afire. 

The war has ceased ; the guns are now asleep ; 
But desolation reigns with full control; 
And centuries must come and go e'er man 
Can once again find joy and happy peace. 



[8] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



For You and Me 

MEN died in the year of Seventy -six, 
Men died in the Sixties, too; 
They bled for the Cubans, crushed and torn. 
They died for me, — for you. 

Men died that this country might be born, 
They fought that it might be free; 

Men gave their lives that a glorious name 
Might come to you,— to me. 

Today, the bugle-call rings out 
With a message clear and true; 

Today our Flag, defending right, 
Is calling me, — and you. 

Today, from bloody field of strife. 

The old red, white, and blue 
Is asking for a million lives. 

For the lives of me, — and you. 

[9] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

As our grandsires fouglit the Redcoats, 
As the Gray fought with the Blue, 

Let us hasten to the battle, 

For they need both me, — and you. 

With the men who made the nation. 
With the ones who kept it free, 

Will, in glory, thru the ages. 

Stand the names of you, — and me? 



[10] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



The Journey's End 

WE are far away from the battlefields 
And the bullet's droning whine; 
There is many a mile 
We must tramp the while 
Ere we come to our journey's end. 

We must tread in mud that is slimy, thick ; 
And wallow like weary swine 

Where never a smile 

Comes to beguile 
The march to our journey's end. 

We are grim and silent, a drab-clad host, 
That comes from the land of the pine, 

From the Southland's smile, 

From mountain aisle, 
To march to the journey's end. 

Our guns are loaded, the hammers cocked. 
And steadily, line by line. 

With a dogged style 

Each dusty file 
Is nearing its journey's end. 

[11] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

We reach the field of life and death, 
Where the bullets snarl and whine. 

Full many a mile 

We have trod the while : 
We are near the journey's end. 

The guns will bark, and the bullet's zip 
Around the foes' ensign 

Will tell the while, 

As the dead men smile. 
We have reached our journey's end. 



12] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Mud 

AW ! The trenches out in Flanders may be 
full uv sticky mud, 
But I'm bettin' that they ain't no worse than 

here; 
Fer the spring is jest er drivin' uv the frost 

from out the ground, 
And we've slimy clay er plastered 'hind each 
ear. 

We march erlong at ' ' Route Step ' ' almost every 

where we go, 
As we couldn't march at "Tenshun" if we 

would : 
Fer yer left foot may be dry shod, while yer 

right is sloppin' wet, 
There's er little pool uv water where yer stood. 

And er few uv us is lucky fer we has our rubber 

boots, 
But the most uv us ain't got 'em, so yer see, 

[13] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

We jest single out the dry spots, and we hit 'em 

ef we kin — 
But we're mostly dirty mud up to the knee. 

So we grumble at the weather and we grumble 

at the mud, 
And we knock and kick and holler all the day : 
But when we get in action and we face the 

bloody ''Hun" 
For the mud — Ugh! — mud — he'll have ter pay. 



[14] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



The Sentry 

MY limbs are worn and weary 
From the marching of the day ; 
My eyes are slumber-laden, 
For the night is holding sway. 

But the regiment rests in bivouac 
Near the forces of the foe; 

From my watch-post on the hillside 
I can see their camp-fires glow. 

If I should fail in my duty 
My comrades would die in the night 
Without a chance for resistance, 
With never a ghost of a fight. 

I think of the home-fires burning, 
Of the ships that sank in the sea; 

I hear the songs of the children — 
And their happiness rests with me. 

[15] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

So I walk my post in the darkness, 
And the regiment rests in sleep ; 

Round the hearth-fire's gleam is safety 
While lonely my vigil I keep. 



L6 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Fratres 

TWO little lads with a wagon 
Were busily at their play; 
One was the ''horse," the other drove, 
On a far off summer's day. 

(When one is reminiscent 

How strong is memory: 
Bright and clear the pictures pass 

Tho seen in reverie.) 

My brother was the prancing steed; 

I was the driver bold; 
We mimicked grown up people 

Searching the mart for gold. 

Time has been swift in the passing; 

The days do not find us at play: 
We are two of a host that is marching 

To crush Autocracy's sway. 

[17] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

Now we are khaki-clad soldiers; 

Our wagon, — a tank, bristling fire. 
Instead of cold currency's glamor, 

Justice has called our desire. 

Now, as we go to the trenches. 

Oh Soldier Brother 0' Mine, 
We are fighting for playtimes and pleasures 

For my future sons — and thine. 



[18] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Aurora Borealis 

THE world asleep ; the passions of the day- 
Are stilled; and reigneth over all the 
night 
In silence, for the light has faded out 
And in the dark is rest and quietness. 
Lo ! As the night assumeth sway o 'er all, 
And sets its starry sentinels to watch, 
There cometh from the crystal realms of ice 
The messengers of sparkling flame, aglow. 
Now crimson, scarlet, rose, then changing white. 
And even flashing far into the dome 
Of skies that overhangs the earth. 

The Queen of Night has welcomed from her 

throne 
The Tidings Bearers from the northern sky 
With majesty supreme. 

The Earth-folk gaze 
In awe, and breathe not lest the very air 
Were sacred to the night. 

[19] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

Dust unto dust 
Returneth yet again, and soon the sky is still; 
The flaming rays of light have sought once more 
The hand of Him who flung them down the 
wind. 

The night is calm, Aurora's rays have fled; 
The sky is jet save here and there a gem 
Of liquid light that ever twinkles on. 

Before the world was, darkness reigned in 

peace ; 
And played the polar lights alone, unseen 
By any eye save His whose work they were. 
E'en when the last day ushers out this life 
Methinks the angels' wings that welcome us 
Will glisten in the dusk with lustre bright 
As glow the lanterns of the northern night. 



[20] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



The Winds 

HOWLING and growling from out of the 
west, 
Snarling and twisting as if on the quest 

Of a stolen toy, 

Or a pilfered joy, 
The storm wind rushes and tears along 
Raising a very terrible song 

Of ruined nest. 

And sleepless rest 
For the earth folk, you and me. 

Roaring so frigidly out of the north, 
From ice-bound caverns rushing forth 

With fiendish glee 

O'er the frozen sea 
The north wind whistles and sweeps along 
Singing an icicled kind of song. 

In metre cold 

And ages old 
For the earth folk, you and me. 

[21] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

Steadily ploughing from out of the east, 
Bringing the rain to flower and beast, 

With persistent thrum 

Like fife and drum 
The rain wind rapidly swings along 
With a drizzling, spattering sort of song 

Of mist and wind 

And how the 're kind 
To the earth folk, you and me. 

Breathing so tenderly out of the south. 
Whispering softly with wee little mouth, 

From a care free land 

By the golden strand 
There comes a melodious zephyr along 
With a soft, sweet, lovesick, happy song 

Of amorous night 

In soft moonlight 
For the earth folk, you and me. 

Blowing from north, from the east, or the west ; 
Blowing from southland, that wind is best 

Which comes to show 

Us here below 
That whatever comes or is sent along, 

[22] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

Whether light, or cheery, or terrible song. 

Is sent from above 

With the Father's love 
For His earth folk, you and me. 



[23] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



West Wind Blow 

BLOW! West Wind! Blow! 
With piercing crispness blow ! 
From craggy heights 
And wintery nights 
Thou comest to bring the snow. 

Drive on the swirling snow! 

O'er country, town, 

And city frown 
And shout thy ''Eastward Ho!" 

With lessening fierceness flow. 

Till springing flowers 

In nature's bowers 
Vanquish the ice and snow. 

Thy cooling freshness show. 

In summer's heat 

From cold retreat 
Glide out and murmur low. 

[24] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

With strengthening vigor blow! 

Till once again 

O'er field and fen 
Has spread the winter's snow. 

Blow! West Wind! Blow! 



[25] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Farewell the Woods 

FAREWELL the woods! We leave thy 
cooling shades 
With heavy hearts ; desiring but to dwell 
In peace, lost in thy fragrant bosom wide. 
But calls the mart and straightway we must go. 
Nor shall thy memory fade, e'en magnet-like 
It pulls us back to thee ; by fireside bright. 
While shrilly whirls along the wintery gale, 
Our thots will oft return and bid thee "Peace." 

The happy days, passed all too soon in joy, 
Will come again and life will be more sweet, 
The journey seem less hard because of them. 
Again we'll lie upon a sunny bank; 
Again we '11 hear the drowsy, droning bees ; 
Once more shall see the wild duck take his flight. 
The memory of a brightly shining moon. 
Remembrance of a river broad and dark, 
The thot of cooling plunge into the lake. 
All these shall come and breathe a happy joy 
Into the lifeless forms convention owns. 

[26] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

Farewell the woods ! We leave thee for a space, 
But we'll return to thee when summer's green 
Shall once again bedeck thy stalwart limbs. 



27] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



The Flowers 

IN the beginning the springtime 
Was lonely and dreary and sad, 
With never a single blossom, 
To make the old world glad. 

A time of sighing and drooping 

Was not within the plan 
Of the wise, omnipotent Father, 

So he sent a messenger clan. 

This clan was the flower kingdom, 
Vari-hued, brilliant and gay; 

They brot straight down from Heaven, 
Hope, to lighten the way. 

Close hidden in each lovely chalice, 
Covered with honey and dew, 

Scented with sweetest odors. 
Is a message from God to you. 



[28] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



When It*s Spring 

WHEN the buds begin to swell on the trees, 
When a balmy note of gladness rides the 
breeze, 
Then the sunshine clear and bright 
Drives away the winter's night. 
And the waters in the rills forget to freeze. 

When our feathered friends return from south- 
em home, 

When the beaver once again begins to roam, 
Then the violet so blue 
Blooms to welcome us anew 

And all is joy beneath blue Heaven's dome. 

When the bees begin to hum within the hive. 
When all living things begin to grow and thrive. 

Then the sun, and rain, and wind 

Bring invitation kind 
For man to leave his sloth and be alive. 



[29] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



When It*s Autumn 

THEN the air is growing cooler, 
And the breezes have a sting; 
Then the days are growing shorter, 
And the birds forget to sing; 

Then the harvest fields are yellow. 
And the leaves begin to fall; 

Then the fruit is ripe and mellow. 
And the crows begin to call. 

Then come frosts with fatal crispness. 
And appears the gentian's blue; 

Then the insects all grow listless, 
And no longer falls the dew; 

Then the lowing kine are stabled. 
Sun-set colored grow the fields; 

Then the farm-house, many gabled. 
Cosy shelter yields; 

[30] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

Then Thanksgiving comes in glory, 
And the bounteous year is crowned 

Then the old, old Pilgrim story 
Once again is told around; 

Then, again, to God, our Father, 
Rise our songs of joy and peace ; 

And we all retain forever 

Gratitude that shall not cease. 



[31] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Autumn Greeting 

THE full moon shines from a cloudless sky- 
In a million of twinkling stars 
As my soul leaps free with a buoyant tread 
Like a prisoner freed from his bars. 

There's a mild spicy tang in the zephyr that 
blows 

To herald the coming of fall, 
There's a freedom and joy in my heart as I sing 

And shout to the wind a glad call. 

While Autumn puts on her gay multi-hued coat 
And the nights grow frosty and chill 
There's a message that comes from the Lord of 
my heart 
And bids my soul ''Peace, be thou still." 

The full moon shines midst a million stars 
And my heart is set free from its pain ; 

I fling my paean of joy to the sky: 

''Thrice welcome to Autumn and harvest 
again. ' ' 

[32] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



November 

YOU may sing of your beautiful days in 
June, 
You may sing of your brilliant September; 
But give me the day, the most perfect of days, 
That comes with dun-colored November. 

The hills nestle down in a thick blue-gray haze, 
The valleys are sere-brown in slumber; 

The skyline dissolves in a soft mirage, 

The grasses have dressed in burnt umber. 

As the sun settles down in the dim, mystic west, 

A fog that with mist is atremble 
Slowly clasps all the world in its cooling em- 
brace ; 

And the stars are forbid to assemble. 

But, anon, from the hills comes a whispering 
breeze 
That slowly grows stronger and stronger, 

[33] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

Until, all the draperies of fog pushed aside, 
The full moon is hidden no longer. 

Ah ! Then it is good to be out and alive, 
To drink in the health and the splendor ! 

Oh ! Give me to taste of the fulness of life 
In the sad-happy days of November. 



34] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



A Winter's Day 

THE day has dawned, calm, serene, in peace ; 
No breath, of wind disturbs the morning 
air; 
While all around a mantle fleecy white 
Is gently laid o'er all the resting world. 
And trees, and sticks, and stones all gently sleep 
Beneath the soft caress of downy flakes. 

On days like this a yearning fills my heart 
That I must needs fulfill ere night has come. 
I buckle on my good old trusty skis 
And over hill and dale I travel far 
Until I reach a little woodland dale 
Which seems to me a shrine to Nature 's God. 
The peace which overcometh earthly pain 
Here comes and fills my weary, lonely soul ; 
The quiet scene, the falling snow, the freshness 
Lighten all the sorrow in my heart. 

Thou God of tempest, storm, and wintery blast 
Art also Lord of love, of tender grace, 

[35] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

Art Prince of Peace, of quiet, and of rest. 
To Thee I bring my thanks for raging storm ; 
I thank Thee for the cup of bitter pain ; 
But more than these, I sing my loudest praise 
For Winter's snow, for life and health, and 
Thee. 



[36] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



New Year's — A Sonnet 

LOUD the rampant bells are ringing 
With a rhythm wild and swinging 
To herald in the smiling, new-born year; 
Paeans gay the world is singing 
Fraught with gladness, joy up-flinging 
To the stars; each heart is bringing 
Anthems pregnant all with happiness and cheer. 

The appointed hour is ringing, 
O'er the top the troops are swinging, 
With a bayonet they'll welcome the New Year; 
Not a single heart is singing, 
Every gun destruction flinging 
At the foe,: — the death-throes bringing 
While the trench is won — the victors raise a 
cheer. 



[37] 



SONGS OF A SAMMT 



Asleep 

(To Grandmother) 

ASLEEP with Jesus ; in His arms asleep ! 
The earthly pains and trials are forgot; 
O'erwhelmed with mercy, love, and tender care. 
Then, too, the mortal form has ceased its toil ; 
And entered blessed sleep with the redeemed. 

We, who are left, should not bow down to weep 
For her who now has crossed the River Death. 
There is no sting ; a transformation came 
From struggles hard to endless, boundless peace. 
She is at rest, well earned by patient years ; 
She did not fear the summons of her God. 

To us remains the lesson she has taught; 
Just bend each one, refreshed, to his own task, 
And keep the name she left us free from stain. 
Perchance we'll live a life of quietness 
That always lights the darksome, weary road 
For some poor soul that labors in the dusk. 

[38] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

If this is so then we have followed close 
The model that before us she has set; 
When each shall hear the angels calling home 
We shall be ready for the last repose ; 
Shall fall asleep within Jehovah's arms, 
And be again with her whom we have lost. 



[39] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Death 

(To Georgia Gray) 

JEHOVAH reigns ! And when a life is done 
He takes that life unto Himself to rest. 
When pain and toil no longer claimed the thot 
Of her, our friend, she went away in peace 
Unto the calm abode of lasting joy. 
Weep not my brother for the lost ones smile. 
Not lost but gone, in glory to return 
And welcome us when we shall fall asleep. 

Oh Patience ! What a model of thee here ! 
And were I gifted with the artist's brush 
A picture I would paint of wondrous grace. 
And all who saw would go away refreshed. 
Oh Hope! Oh Christ-like Resignation! Both 
Embodied in this slight and slender frame. 
Oh Muse ! Inspire with noble thots my heart 
That I may pay just tribute to the dead. 

Jehovah reigns ! And in the Realm of Joy 
She lives! The one whom we have lost awhile. 

[40] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



A Prayer 

OUR Father now we thank Thee 
For the things that Thou hast done ; 
For the care and kindly watching 
From the morn till fades the sun. 



Thou wast ever near in sorrow; 

Dost hear us when we pray; 
We thank Thee for the faith that brot 

Us safely on our way. 

Oh, may we not forget Thee 
In our triumph and success, 

May we ever call Thee Father 
Tho the world we should possess. 

As brightly dawns the morrow 
May we seek the upward way. 

May we strive to serve Thee better 
Till we meet our judgment day. 

[41] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Devotions 

NO time to talk with Jesus; 
No time to give to him; 
No time to spend in secret prayer 
No time to sing a hymn. 

No time to use in helping 

Some sinner on his road; 
No time to have a single thot, 

On how to lift a load. 

Our Gracious Lord, be with us, 

We need thee all the way; 
And if thou be not always near. 

For wretched sin we'll pay. 

Oh Father, Son, and Spirit, 

Deliver us from sin; 
With our own strength we cannot stand. 

But in thy might we win. 

[42] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



What Care I? 

WHAT care I tho skies are dark 
And clouds hang dense and low ? 
What care I for howling wind, 
Or devastating snow? 

Above the clouds the sun still shines 
In glory undiminished; 
He'll shed his bright light once again 
When the storm cloud's task is finished. 



What care I tho things go wrong 
And failures choke the way? 
What care I when friend and foe 
Snarl and turn away? 



If I live right and do my best 

To serve the God above, 

When danger's o'er and work is done, 

My recompense is Love. 

[43] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Why? 

WHY is it when we do things 
That we always do them wrong? 
Why is it that each line of verse 
Is not one grand sweet song? 

We think and strive our hardest 

To make things go aright 
Yet always dismal failure 

Mocks our puny might. 

But why ask foolish questions? 

Why spend our time in vain? 
Why not get out and hustle 

And work with might and main? 

Forget the whys and wherefores, 
We raise them but for naught; 

Just trust to God the reasons, 
His is the mind that wrought. 

[44] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Your Song 

WHAT kind of a song are you singing 
Amidst all the pain of your life? 
What sort of an anthem is ringing 
Abroad as result of your strife? 

What style of a tune are you adding 
To those that already are sung? 
What rhythm and meter are rising 
From you when vespers are sung? 

Are you one of God's precious fledgelings, 
Are you turning bitter and cold? 
Are you damming thots upward flinging 
To Him when the prayer bell is tolled? 

Oh heart, get the spirit of Jesus, 
Sing the Song of all songs that He sung, 
When the gates of all Hell seem to open 
And the troubles of earth are outflung. 

[45] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Gossip 

THE world is cold and bitter, too, 
With ne'er a smile or thot for you. 
The sneer, averted head, the smile 
Of cynical sarcasm vile, 
Greets you on every baffled side, 
E'en tho your travels be world-wide. 

Give not the world the whole of blame. 

Not once blush deep as tho from shame, 

Perhaps a reason good there is 

That makes the shuttle hum and whiz 

To weave the cloth for gossips old 

That they may make the world turn cold. 

Before you censure be quite sure 
That everything you do is pure ; 
Leave not a single open door. 
For scandal's tongue will tell the score 
And add vile falsehood to the tale 
Until its message could not fail 

[46] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

To cause the world to laugh and jeer 
And you to squirm with needless fear. 
If thus your life has been maligned 
Don't have it said that you just pined; 
Put on a smile that won't come off, 
And let the old world laugh and scoff. 

Go on your way as unconcerned 

As tho you'd never once been spurned; 

And soon the world, grown sick with shame 

At having tainted your good name 

Will suddenly have great desire 

To snatch it from the mud and mire. 



[47] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Desolation 

DESERTED ! I am left alone ; 
My spirit torn 
With anguish desolate. 

The garden dark — the sunlight flown; 
My rose transmuted to a thorn 
And I am desolate. 

Experience has richer grown 

Tho mind and heart are left alone, 

Despairing — desolate. 

My thots by winds are blown 
To the Eternal God of Mom: 
Still I am desolate. 

At last the seed is sown 
And new deeds born — 
I am not desolate. 



[48] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Lif( 



MAN lives and works, man plays and dies 
While ever higher doth he rise. 



Each day the world is better off 
Because some soul forgot to scoff. 

Each day the earth much sweeter grows 
Because a man gets out and hoes. 

Man lives and dies, man plays and works; 
His the reward who never shirks. 



[49] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Smile 

SUN is shining brightly; 
Singing fills the air, 
Joyous life and freedom 
Drive away all care. 

Rain clouds hide the sunbeams; 

Singing hath its knell; 
Sullen gloom and worry 

Happiness dispel. 

Why this change of spirit? 

Cannot you be glad 
When the skies are weeping 

And the world seems sad? 

Tear drops from the cloud land 
Needs must water earth, 

Else of fruit and flowers 
There would be a dearth. 

[50] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

Then when skies are frowning 
Tho you're sad the while, 

Each your own wee comer 
Brighten with a smile. 



[51] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Plug! 

SUMTIMES it seems like nothin 
Would come out so's ter suit; 
A failure here, a fizzle thar, 

And then a couple more ter boot ! 



Sum days I starts out early 
Ter do things up jest brown; 

The first guy what I tries ter see 
Is three miles outer town! 



*0h, well!" I say, and then light out 

Anuther stunt ter try; 
' No use, I 'm busy ; not ter day ; ' ' 

The answer comes so quick an spry. 

An so it goes the hull day threw. 
Don't nothin' seem ter suit; 

But I start agin termorrer 
With a lot more pep ter boot ! 

[52] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Slacker 

WHY spend your time debating 
With the neighbors cross the street? 
For they who talk all summer 
In winter do not eat. 

Why cause so much confusion 

Bout a thing that 'mounts to naught, 

When every precious moment 
With so much life is fraught. 

Why not get out and hustle, 

Change your hammer for a horn, 

Never waste a single moment 
Late at night or early morn. 

Get the spirit of the booster, 

Cease to grumble, go to work, 
In the end build something lasting. 

Never win the name of ** Shirk. '^ 

[53] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Dream Girl 

SOFTLY the wind is sighing, 
Quietly falls the rain; 
Stilling the earth into silence, 
Soothing it gently from pain. 

Alone in my armchair so cosy, 
Reading and dreaming by turn, 

Happy and glad to be living, 
I sit while the wood-fires burn. 

Hither and yon flit the shadows, 
Picturing fairies and elves, 

Playfully dancing and chasing 
Over my library shelves. 

Sleepy, with half-closing eyelids, 
I see by the light of the blaze 

Your face, smiling sweetly and tender, 
I see you approach thru the haze. 

[54] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

Your arms entwine quickly around me, 
My face is pressed close to your breast, 

Your lips softly touch my worn eyelids, 
They close, — my soul is at rest. 



[55] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



To My Unknown Sweetheart 

WHEN I am tired and lonely, 
At a loss just what to do, 
My thots will slowly wander 

Till they settle right around you; 

And when I think of you, dear, 

My soul has quiet rest; 
There is something comes to soothe the pain 

So rampant in my breast. 

To you, my unknown sweetheart. 

To you, where'er you dwell, 
I wish that I might find you. 

My great love just to tell. 



[56] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



To My Known Sweetheart 

I SANG a song in gone days 
To my sweetheart, then unknown ; 
But the dreaming was imperfect 
That thru the mist had shown. 

I could not see the beauty 

That would shine within your eyes; 
Nor did I ken the pleasure 

You would add to summer skies. 



How could I sense the heart-strength 
You would bring me, day by day, 

With the freshness of your presence. 
Sweeter than the charms of May. 

And the joys that you have given 
Far excel the hopes of dreams: 

A radiant home — contentment 
With you, by the fireside gleams. 

[57] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



To B On Her Birthday 

THE days are long without the song 
Your presence starts a swinging; 
Your heart is true to good friends few 
"Who bring you birthday greeting. 

May Heavens light, and strength to fight, 
Be yours now and forever; 
May naught of bad to make you sad 
Occur, or friendships sever. 

In future life of toil and strife 
Be yours the noble station 
To mould the mind of human kind 
And make a better nation. 

This day returned, so swiftly spumed. 
From Time's fast flying cycle. 
Another year bring ne'er a tear, 
Or sad regret for trifle. 

[58] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



A Rose 

OH, Rose, sweet sentiments you recall 
From the dim-lit depths of Memory's 
Hall; 
A maiden's smile, elusive, sweet. 
Comes to me in my cool retreat. 

The picture of her form so fair 
Returns and haunts the midnight air. 
I live again that happy hour. 
Receive again this crimson flower. 

A sumptuous feast that night was given. 
In quest of pleasure we had striven; 
And e'er we said a soft ''Good-night" 
We talked awhile with sweet delight. 

As midnight chimes called us to part 
She pulled this rose from o'er her heart; 
Should she consent to be my wife, 
The greatest joy would enter life. 

[59] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

Oh, Rose, at this dark midnight hour, 
Tho now you are a withered flower, 
Thy lovely fragrance, for a while, 
Brings back her sweet elusive smile. 



[60] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



A Little Man 

(To Carl Grange) 

THEEE'S a little man a sittin' 
In the seat across the aisle 
Who's a carin' for his Muzzer 
In most gentlemanly style ; 

He paid her fare, 

He took the change, 

And kept the ''con" from cheatin', 

I '11 bet if someone tried ter flirt 

He'd get an awful beatin'. 

I like ter see a kiddy 
Who 's a manly little chap ; 
He's one of next year's heroes, 
He's the one who'll win the scrap. 



[61] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Sonny 

FLAXEN curls and eyes of blue, 
Eyes so big, so round, and true, 
Your curls so light, just seem to bring 
My mother's voice ; I hear her sing. 

Your little shoes are stubbed and worn ; 
Of pristine beauty have been shorn ; 
Your little suit of linen white 
Recalls my own sweet childhood bright. 

The little belt of brilliant hue 
Makes me recall I had one too. 
The little legs so short and round 
Can chasing mischief e'er be found? 

The cupid mouth, the chubby face, 
Quite unadorned with useless lace, 
Flood my eyes with welcome tears 
That span again the bygone years. 

[62] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Deferiet 

IN the days of misty shadow, 
When there was no field or meadow, 
Long before the desperado 
Landed on our golden shore, 
Lived an Indian, tall and mighty. 
With his squaw so shy and sprightly. 
Where the whip-poor-wills sang nightly 
By the wigwam's open door. 

On an island in a river. 
Where in winter dead leaves shiver, 
And in summer birds deliver 
To the air a gladsome song. 
Did this Indian, tall and mighty. 
With his squaw so shy and sprightly, 
And a young son smiling brightly. 
Live a life both good and long. 

But as each day joined the ages 
That belong to long-dead sages, 

[63] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

And was written on the pages 
Of long since forgotten lore, 
Came close one upon the other, 
As a babe follows its mother, 
And as deer fast race for cover — 
Came the white man to our shore. 



Fast and faster came the white man. 

Sailing over Neptune 's blue span 

As if each with each a race ran 

For a great and glorious prize ; 

Till Napoleon was banished 

And from Europe's shores had vanished, 

While his followers so clannish 

To a new land raised their eyes. 



To Ontario's rippling waters 
Came these semi-royal squatters. 
Driving out the minks and otters 
From their runways by the shore; 
Clearing farms and building houses, 
Thinking not of old carouses 
As a spirit bold arouses 
Each from lethargy now o'er. 

[64] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

Thus it was that in the dawning 
Of onr history's bright morning, 
When the Indians we were wronging 
Madame Dn Fere came to stay- 
Where the dead leaves shake and quiver, 
Where the birds their songs deliver 
On the island in the river — 
There Deferiet stands today. 



[65] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Memory's Ship 

A WHITE ship sails thru an azure sea 
Wafted on by a zephyr to port : 
The ship is a cloud, the sea is the sky, 
The harbor is Heaven's high court. 



Like the ship that sails o'er the deep blue sky 
White winged and gallant of trim, 

My thots fly forth in a fairy train 
Till they reach the horizon's rim. 

In Memory's ship come friends from afar 
To cheer me and strengthen my hand ; 

They give me joy, and courage renew, 
As I press to Eternity's land. 



[66] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



At Twilight 

OFT in the purple twilight 
As I sit in the gathering gloom, 
There comes thru the deepening shadow 
The fragrance from many a bloom. 

I hear the brook's silver gurgle 
As it trickles along on its way; 

It lulls me and gently returns me 
To the time of my boyhood gay. 

Over and over in memory 

The days of the dear long ago 

Come back from their dusty recesses 
With the tiny brook's murmuring flow. 



[67] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Memories of the Man in Gray 

HE stood with strong arms folded 
And watched the flickering blaze 
As if within its golden depths 
Some picture met his gaze. 



We wondered; no one cared to speak 

We let him have his way, 
And presently low, musing words 

Came from ''The Man In Gray." 

He thot aloud, we hardly breathed, 
We would not miss a word, 

In accents clear that summer night 
This reverie we heard: 



"That other scene was much like this, 
Tho many moons have passed 

I still retain those memories ; 
I hope thru life they 11 last. 

[68] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

* ' The trees stood round like sentinels 
As if to guard the place, 

The moon had not yet risen, 
No star had shown its face. 



"My pardner smoked his old cob pipe 
While I communed with thot; 

Then presently we stories told 
About the fish we'd caught. 

''When boastings were all over 

Our hearts were turned toward home, 

From which each one of us had left 
The wide old world to roam. 

''We saw the old folks sitting 

Around the kitchen lamp; 
Were they thinking of the wanderers 

Away in their fire lit camp? 

"I tell you, boys, there's nothing 
Can compare with the folks at home ; 

And I shall never forget them, 
No matter how far I roam. ' ' 

[69] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Reverie At Even 

IN my old armchair at even 
When the lights are burning low 
I sit and watch the firelight 
Throw its shadows to and fro. 

Tho all is rain and darkness 
In the garden, down the street, 

Still my heart is full of gladness 
In my cosy, snug retreat. 

Today a fellow mortal 

Was stumbling on life's road; 
I saw and played Samaritan, 

He walks with lightened load. 

So, tonight, I am contented; 

My soul is filled with peace; 
Dear Father, keep me humble, 

My helpfulness increase. 

[70] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Hven 

WHEN the day's hard toil has ended 
And the world has gone to rest; 
While the dew is swiftly falling 
And each songbird seeks its nest; 

From my window, facing westward, 

As the even comes apace, 
I watch the gathering shadows 

Gently cover earth's scarred face. 

Every flower, every leaflet 

Then has closed its weary eye. 

And a gentle evening zephyr 
Kisses each as it goes by. 

Then a message sweet and simple 
Breathes so softly from the night ; 

Bringing new faith for endeavor, 
Bringing new hope for the fight. 

[71] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



What Shall It Be? 

(To Wheaton Academy Class of 1917) 

WHEN future years have come and gone, 
When many suns have set, 
When all that is has passed away 
Oh, then shall we forget 
About the Class of Seventeen? 

Will you prove weaklings in the fight? 
Will you poor cowards be? 
Will you disdain the narrow way? 
Will you to heaven lose the key? 
And you the Class of Seventeen? 

Or, will you have the strength that wins? 

Will you be pure and brave ? 

Will you decide that right is might, 

And thus your path with blessings pave? 

What will you. Class of Seventeen? 

You have the power to make or break ; 
You have the power to build 

[72] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 

A structure founded on the rock 

With choicest treasure filled. 

How build you, Class of Seventeen? 

We trust you, Class of Seventeen, 
We must not see you lose ; 
Nor do we for one moment doubt 
But that the best you'll choose. 
Speed onward, Class of Seventeen. 

And, when the future years have gone, 
When many suns have set. 
When all that is has passed away 
There'll be no cause then to forget 
The noble Class of Seventeen. 



[73] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Murder 



THE day was bright at morn when rose the 
sun, 
But now the sun in horror hides its face ; 
A darksome deed ere long was perpetrated 
By giant of a strong and mighty race. 
Fell was the deed, the victim innocent, — 
Such always is the setting for a crime, — 
The world was stunned and crippled, industry ; 
For revolution everything was prime. 



II. 

Oh sad that on a day so bright as this, 
A one as harmless suddenly should die! 
A moment pause and shed a pitying tear 
For this desceased, foul murdered fly! 



[74] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



For a Friend 

I HAVE been asked to write a tale 
For a friend of mine most dear; 
I don't know what to write about 
Whether sense or nonsense queer. 

At first I thot I would give advice, 
But then I changed my mind ; 
I might begin and point out faults, 
But that would be unkind. 

You see, it is a harder task 
Than one would first suppose ; 
Methinks I'll have to forsake verse 
And tell my tale in prose. 



[75] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Freshman Song 

OUR college, now to thee, 
We pledge our lives to be 
Upright and true. 
We will be pure and strong, 
Thy honor to prolong, 
Thru all the years to come, 
Wheaton, for thee. 



Evening 

OFT as the twilight hour comes on apace. 
The while the western sky is changing hue, 
A cricket opens up his serenade 
Beside the walk ; a night bird cries above ; 
An insect hums ; and slowly all the earth 
Is saying vespers, closing eyes in rest. 



[76] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



Song 

A SONG there is unsung, a tale untold, 
And I am powerless to tell or sing it. 
Perhaps 'tis not for me to sing of glory. 
Perchance I never see the face of fame ; 
Oh Lord, if I must write my tale in toil, 
My song in labor, I ask for strength from Thee 
And know that as thou wiliest, that is good. 



The Puzzle 

OH Life! Thou comest from we know not 
whence ; 
Departing, leavest for we know not where; 
In mystery enshrouded all the days 
We spend on earth ; and when we take our leave 
Thou art still within the knowledge we have 
sought. 



[77] 



SONGS OF A SAMMY 



**The College Press'* 

Printing presses ; 

Pretty dresses; 

Pretty misses ; 

Printing kisses. 



"Longing" 

ALL I want is love ; 
All that I ask is a kiss ; 
All that I want in this wide old world 
Is one little, sweet little miss. 



[78] 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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